A MODERN WEDDING DECORATION IDEA

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vNTLZzC_Aw/V7thJY_RXOI/AAAAAAAAEps/USqGiGMBOjgbsrGWvhbWNLGqZHUx7nCcwCLcB/s1600/lala-lab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vNTLZzC_Aw/V7thJY_RXOI/AAAAAAAAEps/USqGiGMBOjgbsrGWvhbWNLGqZHUx7nCcwCLcB/s1600/lala-lab.JPG" /></a></div> <br /> After a bit of radio silence on the blog, I'm excited to share this post with you! I haven't talked too much about our wedding, mostly because we haven't <i>actually </i>had to put too much thought into it...! The reception is in a pretty pub which doesn't need much decorating, but I always knew I wanted to find a way to show some of our favourite photos from our childhood and the 10 years we've been together. With bunting and chalkboards already on the agenda, I was a little worried about things looking too 'rustic', so when I found <a href="http://www.lalalab.com/">Lalalab</a> online, I knew their big photo posters would be perfect for keeping things looking a little more clean and modern.<br /> <br /> Lalalab kindly offered to gift me one of their framed posters and I'm so pleased with the result. I picked a 35-picture poster (you can also have 24 pictures, but the poster size is the same, so the photos just come out bigger) in a plain black frame. The 'glass' is actually plastic, which is better in some ways as it's super lightweight and doesn't create as much of a glare either. The process is also really easy - you can either download the app or use the desktop version to upload pictures straight from your phone/computer/social media and then reorder them to get your poster looking exactly the way you want it. I think it would look really cool to just pick pictures that are all one tone or create a graduated colour effect. We're going to display it on one of the mantlepieces in the pub; it's been so nice going through all the old photos together and getting our parents involved - I also think it's fun for family and friends who don't necessarily know both of us to get to see a bit more of us on the day!<br /> <br /> Lalalab also offer a few other services, including Instagram prints, calendars and books; if you're interested, my referral cod<span style="font-family: inherit;">e  - <span style="text-align: center;">PGBSYXPG - </span>will</span> get you €5 off your order.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSS0iLzZBZ0/V7tjQe6krLI/AAAAAAAAEqA/6gidssZKmq0XOi3wwsaZmRGRscp3ItzHACEw/s1600/lala-lab2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MSS0iLzZBZ0/V7tjQe6krLI/AAAAAAAAEqA/6gidssZKmq0XOi3wwsaZmRGRscp3ItzHACEw/s1600/lala-lab2.JPG" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDH9CeN0GNU/V7tjQo2I7wI/AAAAAAAAEqE/ZItBsmYEo4k8P6t4AcaVN1eSthODCYALgCEw/s1600/lala-lab3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PDH9CeN0GNU/V7tjQo2I7wI/AAAAAAAAEqE/ZItBsmYEo4k8P6t4AcaVN1eSthODCYALgCEw/s1600/lala-lab3.JPG" /></a></div>

home, interiors, wedding

A MODERN WEDDING DECORATION IDEA

After a bit of radio silence on the blog, I'm excited to share this post with you! I haven...

COOL MINT CHICKEN SALAD WRAPS

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9jt75zvnaF4/V5Y1Z3T1mbI/AAAAAAAAEow/hF5pfv-jH9gxC7-HKwvQc3pGtBd97yEkwCLcB/s1600/mint%2Bchicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9jt75zvnaF4/V5Y1Z3T1mbI/AAAAAAAAEow/hF5pfv-jH9gxC7-HKwvQc3pGtBd97yEkwCLcB/s1600/mint%2Bchicken.jpg" /></a></div> If you follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/catherinesprunt/">Instagram</a> you'll have already clocked this tasty recipe, but I thought I would post it here to fill in the details a little bit more. Excuse the grainy pic!<br /> <br /> This refreshing chicken salad was inspired by a friend's recipe for cold Yunnan chicken; I've pared back the recipe and made it in double-quick time for an easy summer lunch.<br /> <br /> <u>To serve 4 for a light meal</u><br /> 1 packet skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breasts<br /> Thumb-sized piece of ginger<br /> Coriander<br /> Mint<br /> Chillies<br /> Soy sauce<br /> Vinegar<br /> Garlic<br /> Juice of a lime<br /> Iceberg or little gem lettuce<br /> Cucumber<br /> <br /> Bring a saucepan of water to the boil - I use a large shallow one - with the ginger and the stems of the coriander. Drop in the chicken pieces thighs, making sure there is enough water to cover them; if you are using breasts, you may want to slice them in half through the thickest part. Return to the boil and then turn off the water and leave, covered, for a 5 - 10 minutes until cooked through. Plunge the chicken into ice water; this makes it ultra tender.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, combine 4 parts soy sauce to 1 part white wine vinegar, add the juice of a lime and a minced garlic clove. Once cooled, shred the chicken with your hands or a pair of forks and add to the sauce. Scatter with a generous handful of freshly chopped coriander, mint and sliced chillies and leave the chicken to soak up the sauce for at least half an hour.<br /> <br /> To serve, lay some of the chicken salad and some finely sliced cucumber in the centre of a large lettuce leaf and roll up like a spring roll. It doesn't need sauce, but is delicous dipped in sriracha for an extra kick.

food

COOL MINT CHICKEN SALAD WRAPS

If you follow me on Instagram  you'll have already clocked this tasty recipe, but I thought I ...

WEEKEND IN RYE

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMr2okliOlY/V5Yn01sNL2I/AAAAAAAAEoU/deKeL2PcYc8HdXqtoMUcjgksYaqky6eNQCEw/s1600/camber%2Bsands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BMr2okliOlY/V5Yn01sNL2I/AAAAAAAAEoU/deKeL2PcYc8HdXqtoMUcjgksYaqky6eNQCEw/s1600/camber%2Bsands.JPG" /></a></div> Call me selfish, but when Darren's birthday arrives in the middle of summer, I usually book us a night away somewhere as it's something we can both enjoy. With the dog in tow, I booked a night in Rye, a tiny market on the south coast of England. We totally lucked out on the weather, which was perfect as we'd planned to take Baki to Camber Sands, a 10 minute drive away.<br /> <br /> Rye is tiny and absolutely charming. We stayed at <a href="http://www.thestandardinnrye.co.uk/">The Standard Inn</a> in the middle of the Old Town and, although I gave it a slightly unfavourable TripAdvisor review (due to it being too hot, too noisy and absolutely tiny - not great value for money), it was a lovely place to spend a night. We'll just bring a fan next time!<br /> <br /> We spent an hour or so walking around the town - in the centre there is a small strip of antique shops which are mostly overpriced, but we couldn't resist a pair of large pink and yellow teapots at £10 a pop. We spent the evening dipping in and out of different pubs and had our dinner at The Standard, who offer a bit more than your standard pub grub; I had delicious scallops with a gratinated garlic and herb crumb and Darren had the most amazing chicken pie I've ever tasted, packed full of fresh chicken. A mini break breakfast is always something I look forward to and The Standard didn't disappoint with a really great full English, yoghurt and Dorset Cereals - just a shame we had to take breakfast in shifts as the dog was a bit restless and irked at having to watch us eat. Note to self: hotel may be dog-friendly, but bringing a dog isn't always hotel-friendly! I think we will wait until he is a bit older before trying that again.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ikQ-jbZSVk/V5YnqKjv3AI/AAAAAAAAEoo/dM-vojmOkL0divk5pCyKDY8gGdIsh621ACEw/s1600/rye3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ikQ-jbZSVk/V5YnqKjv3AI/AAAAAAAAEoo/dM-vojmOkL0divk5pCyKDY8gGdIsh621ACEw/s1600/rye3.JPG" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JNDh7fLuDA/V5YnjXZrrWI/AAAAAAAAEog/P_1gOuH1UK8yCZVi7NNBs0v15Pr7O7QGQCEw/s1600/rye2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0JNDh7fLuDA/V5YnjXZrrWI/AAAAAAAAEog/P_1gOuH1UK8yCZVi7NNBs0v15Pr7O7QGQCEw/s1600/rye2.JPG" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lv9JtGMeoE/V5Ync5rfyAI/AAAAAAAAEog/4H-RKpYb18I2vBs85Kwi3FEiczwGrZ-nQCEw/s1600/rye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lv9JtGMeoE/V5Ync5rfyAI/AAAAAAAAEog/4H-RKpYb18I2vBs85Kwi3FEiczwGrZ-nQCEw/s1600/rye.JPG" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iDZ7rRDsvHg/V5Ynv0bKTwI/AAAAAAAAEoo/xr8zIOEPUaEK1AqpmeaD9PQlJcOOLj8kgCEw/s1600/rye4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iDZ7rRDsvHg/V5Ynv0bKTwI/AAAAAAAAEoo/xr8zIOEPUaEK1AqpmeaD9PQlJcOOLj8kgCEw/s1600/rye4.JPG" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EajZBgoLF9Y/V5YnIvdoKWI/AAAAAAAAEoY/3fNyR1sSBFg8pKADhTMs7qF99CWOk_Z8wCEw/s1600/rye5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EajZBgoLF9Y/V5YnIvdoKWI/AAAAAAAAEoY/3fNyR1sSBFg8pKADhTMs7qF99CWOk_Z8wCEw/s1600/rye5.JPG" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWlk28ccFL8/V5YnWZoaqOI/AAAAAAAAEoY/zaTLv0sdE0Yvjg51nVMvQAk9GxyijaBTwCEw/s1600/camber%2Bsands2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWlk28ccFL8/V5YnWZoaqOI/AAAAAAAAEoY/zaTLv0sdE0Yvjg51nVMvQAk9GxyijaBTwCEw/s1600/camber%2Bsands2.JPG" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ufLuaidzo/V5Yn8DE2NRI/AAAAAAAAEoo/R9uJOq7GR6chAr1IYDasY9cDFEcZvqZnQCEw/s1600/camber%2Bsands3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4ufLuaidzo/V5Yn8DE2NRI/AAAAAAAAEoo/R9uJOq7GR6chAr1IYDasY9cDFEcZvqZnQCEw/s1600/camber%2Bsands3.JPG" /></a></div> <br />

food, travel

WEEKEND IN RYE

Call me selfish, but when Darren's birthday arrives in the middle of summer, I usually book us...

CHICKEN SATAY BURGERS

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t1fJtSyuO2o/V4CNu5jswmI/AAAAAAAAEng/8-Gr0b7UTFgetPvQFe9r1HOgc6fGzfIRACLcB/s1600/chicken-satay-burgers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t1fJtSyuO2o/V4CNu5jswmI/AAAAAAAAEng/8-Gr0b7UTFgetPvQFe9r1HOgc6fGzfIRACLcB/s1600/chicken-satay-burgers.JPG" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C15C9-realc/V4CNuDYBZzI/AAAAAAAAEnc/WgOfgT_DXxs4kXP-gf-S6RoebUBlYdk8ACLcB/s1600/chicken-satay-burgers2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C15C9-realc/V4CNuDYBZzI/AAAAAAAAEnc/WgOfgT_DXxs4kXP-gf-S6RoebUBlYdk8ACLcB/s1600/chicken-satay-burgers2.JPG" /></a></div> There are two types of weekend cooks; the ones who love to spend a good portion of the day chopping, peeling, marinating and lovingly preparing food for those lovely slow days or, there are people like me, who cook quick and easy meals through the week and don't necessarily want to spend Saturday or Sunday thinking about 'what's for dinner' on yet another night of the week. However, in the interest of saving money, we've banned ourselves from takeaways for a while, so we adapted one of our favourite recipes to make something a little naughty for the weekend.<br /> <br /> The recipe for the chicken marinade is taken from Jamie Oliver's 30 Minute Meals - please do make the recipe in the book, it's one of my ultimate favourites; the chicken is served with a spicy noodle salad, scooped up into little lettuce gem cups. It's healthy, super-quick (30 minutes, obv) and all-around delicious - it always gets a thumbs up when friends come round.<br /> <br /> <u>For the chicken</u><br /> Chicken thighs - you could also use breasts, it's up to you, but I'm definitely a juicy thigh girl!<br /> 3tbsp peanut butter<br /> Handful coriander<br /> 2 - 3 garlic cloves, peeled<br /> Small piece of ginger, peeled<br /> 1 birdseye chilli<br /> Soy sauce<br /> Lime<br /> <br /> <u>For the sesame slaw</u><br /> Half a head of red cabbage<br /> Coriander<br /> Mayonnaise<br /> Sesame oil<br /> Lime<br /> <br /> <u>For the pickled cucumbers</u><br /> Half a cucumber<br /> 50ml vinegar<br /> Sugar<br /> Salt<br /> Whole peppercorns<br /> <br /> <u>To serve</u><br /> Brioche buns (now available at Tesco, yippee!)<br /> Sweet potato fries<br /> <br /> For the pickled cucumbers, finely slice the cucumbers lengthways and place in a jar with the vinegar, topped up with water until they are covered, and a generous helping each of salt, sugar and peppercorns. I like them slightly sweet and sharp, so generally add a bit more sugar and vinegar. Set aside for at least half an hour.<br /> <br /> Heat the oven to 190C. Cut the sweet potatoes into thick wedges, coat with olive oil, salt and paprika and roast for 40 minutes or until crisp on the outside and soft in the middle.<br /> <br /> In a small hand blender (or you can chop, if you don't have one), blend together the coriander, garlic cloves, ginger, chilli and the zest from the lime. Add the peanut butter, lime juice and a few tablespoons of soy sauce nd mix together until you get a smooth paste - if it's too sticky, add more liquid, whether that be lime juice, soy sauce or you can just use water. Taste as you go - everyone has a personal preference, but we like ours spicy! Generously coat the chicken thighs and set aside.<br /> <br /> For the slaw, finely shred the cabbage and coriander. Mix in a dollop of mayonnaise - a little goes a long way - with a few drops of sesame oil and lots of lime and sea salt.<br /> <br /> Grill the chicken until cooked through and crispy - you should get lots of lovely 'crumbly' bits of the peanut butter mixture around the sides of the pan. Now you're ready to serve! Toast the buns and layer up with slaw, pickles and chicken. If you like extra spice and tang, I would definitely go the sriracha route and a bit of extra mayonnaise never goes amiss!

food

CHICKEN SATAY BURGERS

There are two types of weekend cooks; the ones who love to spend a good portion of the day cho...

GARLIC BUTTER PASTA

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tsqdmR13Yc4/V3j8q8Uc88I/AAAAAAAAEms/6Sp5iKEDle0bQNRc2WEiBStKOhbzYtoAQCLcB/s1600/butter-spaghetti.jpg" /><br /> While not groundbreaking, I have sincerely been eating this on regular rotation in recent weeks and in the spirit of sharing the (carb)load, I thought this easy recipe was worth a bit of time in the blog limelight. When I was in kindergarten I had a Swedish Vietnamese friend who's mum made spaghetti with butter and yes, it is as delicious as it sounds. This version is slightly more sophisticated, but it's the addition of a splash of pasta water that gives it silky smooth, restaurant-quality appeal. Plus, cooking time is just however long you like to cook your pasta!<br /> <br /> Originally we were making this a few nights a ewek as we couldn't let <a href="http://www.catherinesprunt.com/2016/04/meet-baki.html">Baki</a> out of our sight for more than a few seconds for fear of a wee on the carpet or a dalliance on the sofa, and it was the easiest thing to whip up in a squeeze - plus, when your dog wakes you up at 5am, it's pretty hard to think of an exciting meal to make come 7pm. However, now we've found that he loves to watch us cook and will sit nicely for up to 40 minutes, willing any scraps to fall from the chopping board, so hopefully that means more recipes in <i>Sprunting!'s </i>future.<br /> <br /> <u>Serves one</u><br /> <i>At least </i>75g spaghetti<br /> 1tbsp butter<br /> 1tbsp olive oil<br /> 1 - 2 cloves of garlic, finely sliced or minced<br /> Coarse sea salt<br /> Freshly ground pepper<br /> <br /> Bring a pot of water to the boil with a big pinch of salt and add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente or to your liking - usually less than 10 minutes.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a frying pan on a very low heat and add the garlic. Stir occasionally and don't allow the garlic to burn, or it will get bitter. Just before draining the pasta, remove a small amount of the cooking water using a mug - about 50ml is enough for one person - and add this to the pan with the garlic. Drain the pasta, stir through the butter and add to the frying pan. The water should have mostly evaporated/soaked into the pasta. Serve immediately with a generous helping of sea salt and ground pepper - parmesan cheese is a nice addition, but I prefer mine without.

food, frugal recipes

GARLIC BUTTER PASTA

While not groundbreaking, I have sincerely been eating this on regular rotation in recent weeks a...

WEDDING: WHERE WE'RE AT

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCbBCVIZPFM/V2wDjH8N-FI/AAAAAAAAEmE/i1Q6c5g9ZCUfK-Dxg1pDFZZXi_CjLRVTwCK4B/s1600/IMG_6541.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCbBCVIZPFM/V2wDjH8N-FI/AAAAAAAAEmE/i1Q6c5g9ZCUfK-Dxg1pDFZZXi_CjLRVTwCK4B/s1600/IMG_6541.JPG" /></a><br /> Long time, no blog! It's been a while since I got something up on the blog, mostly because we've had our hands full <i>(overflowing, actually) </i>with Baki and while I've been desperate to get some food posts up, there just hasn't been much time for cooking! One thing we have been speeding along with, however, is wedding plans. In the whirlwind of getting the dog, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFqx16Zs33x/?taken-by=catherinesprunt">being bridesmaid</a> at my brother's wedding and then going to Scotland for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BF_CGtRM38m/">the wedding of an old school friend</a>, I hadn't given <i>our wedding </i>much thought at all...until I realised it's less than 3 months to go! In an epic feat of 'getting my butt into gear', I've (we've - Darren has a surprising amount of opinions!) whizzed off endless questions to our venue, had my dress fitted by my amazing bridesmaid/chief seamstress, booked in a hair and make-up trial with a colleague's sister, decided on wedding invitations, ordered wedding shoes (the Sophia Webster beauties above, which I'm devastated to have to return as they're too small!), booked music, organised a bridesmaid/groomsmen knees up, booked honeymoon flights, squeezed in a photo booth booking and bought bridesmaids dresses and shoes. Phew! There's still much to do, but it's all come together in the best possible way and I'm only feeling slightly neurotic about the whole thing now.<br /> <br /> Originally I had a very zen attitude towards the wedding, but I've come to realise that's because there were plenty of things I didn't think we wanted/needed. I hate to think of the stress levels of people who are actually organising a wedding, rather than just a big party, which is pretty much what we're having! We werent going to have much by way of decoration, just lots of flowers, but now that all the big things are out of the way I have gone into detail overdrive; yes, we need personalised beer mats, candles in the bathroom, silly straws and so on. However the day turns out, I can't wait for the day to get here and already getting sad because everyone says how quickly it goes past!<br /> <br /> p.s. if anyone has suggestions for a stick on bra for big boobs, I will love you forever.

wedding

WEDDING: WHERE WE'RE AT

Long time, no blog! It's been a while since I got something up on the blog, mostly because we&#...